Crash Course

By Roger Nichols

Over the years I have enjoyed traveling around the world to present master classes and seminars about recording, mixing, and digital audio. In 2002 I held master classes in Miami and participants flew in from all over the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. I got hundreds of e-mails from people who could not make the trek to Miami and requested that I offer the master classes in different cities around the country so they could more easily attend. So, the planning is done, the jet is packed with Twinkies, and the 2003 Roger Nichols “Crash Course-2: Mixing” is under way. For more information you can visit http://crashcourse.rogernichols.com. Since this is a magazine, you might not be able to get to the web site by clicking directly on this page, however. Just enter the URL into your favorite browser.

Digidesign Certified Instructor Training

Although I have used Pro Tools almost every day since 1989, there are some aspects of the program that I have never used and shortcuts that I did not know about. Since the Crash Course uses Pro Tools to show mixing techniques and to play back examples, I am often bombarded with as many Pro Tools questions as mixing questions. Often I had to find out the answer from someone else during the lunch break. Not any more.

I just finished a weeklong Certified Pro Tools Instructor course at Digidesign headquarters in Daly City, California. Now I can answer the questions, and help Crash Course victims work more efficiently in a Pro Tools environment. I no longer have to be on a forced “phone call only diet” during the lunch breaks. Cool.

The Digidesign Courses

Pro Tools has grown quite a lot from the two-channel Sound Designer recording software that was first offered in 1989. After 15 years the Pro Tools system has become a complex system that can adapt to both audio post and music work environments. Ok, so you knew all of that, but what you might not know is the extensive training program that Digidesign has implemented to help both new and experienced Pro Tools users.

There are three levels of courses available right now, with more planned for the near future.

Pro Tools 101 is a three-day course that focuses on the foundational skills needed to learn and function within the Pro Tools environment at a basic level. The aim of this course will help individuals to start working on their own projects in Pro Tools, including:

*          System capabilities (Record, Edit, Mix, Process, and Deliver Audio)

*          Hard disk basics

*          Pro Tools file system (Session documents, Audio Files, Audio Regions)

*          Navigation and Display basics

*          Recording modes and techniques, including setting levels

*          Selection techniques for audio regions (precursor to basic editing)

*          Basic editing skills

*          Importing audio files

*          Using fades

*          Basic mixing examples

*          Using AudioSuite (file-based) plug-ins

*          Introduction to MIDI within the Pro Tools application

Pro Tools 201 is a three-day course that focuses on a foundation of skills needed to competently operate a Pro Tools TDM system in a professional environment, including:

*          Overview of the differences between Pro Tools workstations, preparing students for the diverse range of environments found in the industry

*          Pro Tools session management concepts

*          Editing features and techniques

*          Session navigation and control

*          Recording modes/techniques for various applications

*          In-depth plug-in usage, both technical and practical

*          Pro Tools automation modes, practices, and techniques

*          Introduction to Digidesign control surfaces

*          Final mixdown and layback, including use of dither

Pro Tools 210M is a two-day course that focuses on completing 200-level training with a Music focus. Concepts and skills learned in 201 are reinforced with music-specific examples including:

*          Advanced Music Editing I, including Beat Detective manipulation

*          MIDI tools and techniques, including software synths and sampler integration via

Direct Connect, RTAS, HTDM, and TDM technologies

*          Advanced Mixing I, including proper use of sends, inserts, mix buses, and groups for music applications

*          Control surfaces for music applications

*          Synchronization basics for music applications

*          Introduction to surround for music

Pro Tools 210P, a two-day course, focuses on completing 200-level training with a Post Production focus. Concepts and skills learned in 201 are reinforced with post-specific examples including:

*          Advanced file formats, including OMF translation, import/export, and batch processing

*          Advanced Post Editing I, including source/destination editing, advanced editing tools, fixed-head playback techniques, and editing of automation data to picture

*          Advanced Mixing I, including groups, stems, and sub mixes with advanced automation modes and additional time devoted to surround

*          Synchronization, including machine control, multiple decks, offsets, etc.

*          Digital picture integration with an emphasis on AVoptionXL and working with Avid media

*          Control surfaces for post applications

*          Introduction to surround for post

Pro Tools 310M, a three-day course, focuses on the advanced operation of Pro Tools TDM systems for music production. This course is replete with audio and MIDI production examples commonly found in real-world scenarios involving music-related Pro Tools sessions covering-

*          Advanced Music Editing II, including advanced audio and MIDI editing, retiming and conforming, and multiple playlist editing

*          Advanced Mixing II, including surround bussing and panning techniques, cue mixes, and advanced automation functions

*          Advanced control surface techniques and functions

*          Music-specific software instrument functionality, operation, and integration

*          Specific application plug-ins, including pitch correction and sound replacement

*          Collaboration options, functionality and techniques, including DigiStudio and sharing Pro Tools sessions with others

Pro Tools 310P, a three-day course, focuses on the advanced operation of Pro Tools TDM systems for post-production. Speed, efficiency, and flexibility are all stressed in this course. Examples of TV and film production are featured in exercises that prepare individuals to efficiently manage deadline-driven, TDM-based Pro Tools operations covering:

*          Advanced OMF applications and workflows with Avid video editing systems

*          Advanced Post Editing II, including speed techniques for dialog, music, and effects editing, such as working with multiple audio tracks in groups and playlists

*          Advanced Mixing II, including surround sound, multiple simultaneous mixes, and downmixing

*          Extensive key command focus, using the Pro Tools keyboard as an edit controller

*          Synchronization, including troubleshooting of incorrect sample rates, frame rates, and clock references

*          Editing tools focused on Avid picture

*          Advanced control surfaces for post applications

*          Collaboration options, functionality, and techniques, including DigiStudio and sharing Pro Tools sessions with others

The 200 level and 300 level courses offer certification and require passing of on-line tests issued by Digidesign as well as successful completion of previous-level courses. Once you reach the 300-level, there will be little need to call someone else for help in the middle of the night. All of your friends will be calling you.

Gotta Go

I am excited about my new Pro Tools Instructor Certification and the response to the Roger Nichols “Crash Course” (opening soon in a city near you). Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. At the instructor training class we decided to start a Pro Tools police force to enforce proper session documentation. We call ourselves the Beat Detectives. Those who violate the rules will be locked behind 8 bars.